Netherlands records first euthanasia case for child under 12

euthanasia assisted dying Netherlands medical ethics pediatric care

The Netherlands has recorded its first case of euthanasia for a child under 12 years old following the expansion of assisted-dying laws in 2024. A report from the Assessment Committee for Late Termination of Pregnancy and Termination of Life in Newborns and Children Aged 1 to 12 Years confirmed that a child, nearly two years old, underwent the procedure in late 2025.

The child was born prematurely at 26 weeks gestation and suffered from extensive brain damage, cerebral palsy, severe visual impairment, and infantile epileptic spasms syndrome. Medical professionals noted that the child’s developmental age was estimated to be that of a six-week-old infant. The condition was characterized by uncontrollable seizures, swallowing disorders, and breathing difficulties due to mucus accumulation in the lungs.

While initial independent medical opinions suggested that palliative care or alternative medications might still offer options to manage symptoms, a subsequent assessment by another specialist concluded that the child’s suffering was unbearable and without prospect of improvement. The committee determined that the attending physician acted in accordance with all legal protocols, including obtaining parental consent and consulting independent experts.

Entities

Assessment Committee for Late Termination of Pregnancy and Termination of Life · Netherlands

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 11 SOURCES] The child suffered from severe cerebral palsy and infantile epileptic spasms syndrome. pulptastic.com · www.larissapress.gr · abcnews.al · altavoz.pe · omegalive.com.cy · +6 more
[DISPUTED] The euthanasia took place in December 2025. hotnews.ro · www.upday.com
[● 11 SOURCES] The child's developmental age was estimated to be that of a six-week-old baby despite being nearly two years old. pulptastic.com · www.upday.com · www.larissapress.gr · abcnews.al · altavoz.pe · +6 more
[● 11 SOURCES] The attending physician followed all legal requirements, including obtaining parental consent and consulting an independent doctor. pulptastic.com · www.upday.com · www.larissapress.gr · abcnews.al · omegalive.com.cy · +6 more
[● 11 SOURCES] The child was born prematurely at 26 weeks gestation. pulptastic.com · www.upday.com · www.larissapress.gr · abcnews.al · omegalive.com.cy · +6 more
[DISPUTED] The Netherlands expanded its law in 2024 to allow assisted dying for children under 12 in specific, regulated cases. a1.ro · www.upday.com · www.larissapress.gr · pulptastic.com · abcnews.al · +7 more
[● 11 SOURCES] The Assessment Committee reviewed the circumstances of the euthanasia procedure. pulptastic.com · www.larissapress.gr · abcnews.al · omegalive.com.cy · www.balkanweb.com · +6 more